Sir Hugh Orde was speaking as details of the next phase of the £1m loyalist conflict transformation project are about to be disclosed.

This will include information on how the money is to be allocated and spent over the next three years.

The aim of the project is to move the UDA away from conflict and into peace.

Workshops are to be held in a Belfast hotel tomorrow with invited guests, including Sir Hugh.

"The message is that I and other people will need to be convinced," the Chief Constable told the Belfast Telegraph.

"That means tangible changes in behaviour and decommissioning.

"The very fact that they have called this conference should be seen as a positive event.

"It's a good thing. It's good to talk. You always learn something at these things."

Senior loyalists are also expected to attend, but full details are not available at this stage.

Frankie Gallagher, of the Ulster Political Research Group, told the Telegraph: "This is the beginning of a process of talking to others and listening.

"We are committed to change, but change, as we have seen with republicans involved in processes, needs time and needs external help."

The UDA last week expelled its so-called brigadier in south east Antrim, Gary Fisher, along with his political adviser, Tommy Kirkham.

It followed a long-running stand-off between them and the inner council leadership after the Shoukri brothers were expelled from the paramilitary organisation.